A great experience in Sevilla, Spain! Past Review
By A student (Spanish Language, Literature, Berea College) - abroad from 09/13/2015 to 12/11/2015 with
API (Academic Programs International): Seville - Universidad de Sevilla
It was worthwhile for sure! I learned a lot about my own ability to be independent and handle frustrating or difficult situations, even with the added stress of being in a country where the language was not my first.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were not especially challenging to me, but they were interesting and the professors were fun, kind, and willing to work with all of our silly American quirks. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The API group were all very helpful and they put together a lot of fun activities and trips for us to go on. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location was central and my host parents were very kind and encouraged our Spanish speaking. |
| * Food: |
My host mom was super sweet and her cooking was great, not to mention traditionally Spanish. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was rather difficult to really get to know any local students, even with the intercambios program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
While I did not need treatment, I know several other students who did, and they were well taken care of, both by the doctors and by the assistance of the API program. I did not need any vaccines for this trip. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safer walking by myself than even back home, but there was an incident with pick-pocketing which we were duly warned about. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I really loved all that API did for us, such as the included trips and cultural activities. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
As long as I didn't do any much traveling, it went well. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40, on average? |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't buy Starbucks in Spain; all other coffee is better, cheaper, and more fun! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We had the option to have English tours and classes, but we were encouraged to speak Spanish. Also, my host family spoke no English! |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I've taken 300 level courses since coming to college. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Always try, and don't doubt yourself! Work your way around a word, and really do make an effort to write down new words. It can be frustrating sometimes, but you'll thank yourself later! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Restaurant etiquette in Spain, mostly! |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
